Case Studies, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Every year we celebrate some of the most interesting and unusual projects to come through our studio doors. Speaking to our conservators and office team about their favourite artworks, we have compiled a list of the paintings, sculptures and furniture that sparked joy for them in 2021. We hope you enjoy reading about these amazing… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
St. Peters Church in Monmouth, Wales, faces a constant threat of flooding.The 12th century parish church is situated on the banks of the River Wye and has throughout it’s life suffered from constant and often severe disruption following adverse weather conditions prompting the river to overflow. The Church Of England building is Grade II listed… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
St Mary’s Church in Wreay, Cumbria is a unique piece of ecclesiastical architecture which is locally, nationally and internationally renowned. Constructed in 1842, it was designed and funded by a local patron named Sarah Losh. The church is now protected by the Friends Of St Mary’s Church, who contacted our team about a beautiful portrait… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Religious institutions often have a long and detailed history which is reflected in the fascinating artwork, documents and items which have accumulated over time. A clear example of this is in religious education, in which the ambience of the school is reflective of the history and devotion which is practiced there. Above: a detail from… Read more »
In early 2021, our paper conservator has been working on a pair of detailed Chinese panels. Their intriguing illustrations featured a busy scene of everyday life at a grand house and the countryside beyond. We have looked into the history of these wonderful pieces, as well as exploring the restoration process of these unique works… Read more »
Chalks and pastels are able to produce vibrant and dynamic pieces, their use in artwork has been a much-admired practice for hundreds of years. However, the fragility of the paper it sits upon and the medium itself makes a chalk or pastel drawing extremely vulnerable to environmental changes, atmospheric disturbances, natural decay, or accidental damage.… Read more »
The versatile nature of glass means that it can be found in a wide variety of antiques and contemporary design. With the oldest known use of glass dating back to the stone age, the vast history of the material has resulted in numerous uses across hundreds of years. Whilst the fragility of glass may result… Read more »
Not all of the objects and artworks we care for at Fine Art Restoration Company are traditional antiques. Often our private and insurance clients contact us about their beloved or high-value items which can range from small Christmas ornaments and LP record covers to large mixed-media sculptures and recreational centrepieces such as chess sets. We… Read more »
At the beginning of 2021, our team visited Westonbirt School in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. The restoration of a wonderfully detailed Victorian mural had been in their plans since 2018, but numerous delays (including COVID-19) had allowed the water damage to develop further. This article tells the story of how our team restored the beautiful ceiling, as… Read more »
Monica came to Fine Art Restoration Company after completing her master’s degree in Easel Painting Conservation at Northumbria University and is now a central part of our conservation team in Carlisle. Moving to England from Australia to pursue her studies in conservation and start her career as a conservator, Monica had previously combined the subjects… Read more »
The history of cartography is the history of human exploration, making sense of the world in pursuit of science and political boundaries. Geography also plays a part in artistic or personal endeavours, in the creation of satirical or creative map-making, or the recording of family history. Early cartography dates back to ancient civilisations. One of… Read more »
With regional flooding becoming ever more prevalent across the United Kingdom, the risk it poses to artwork increases. Knowing how to act swiftly when faced with flood-damaged painting is key in ensuring its survival. The geography of flooding is not only limited to riverside properties, but also those in coastal locations, near floodplains, or areas… Read more »
For 25 years, Neville Ferris drove the length and breadth of the country, collecting something so unique that it gained him recognition in an ever-growing, dedicated community. This labour of love allowed him to meet and befriend legends amongst those who shared his passion, whilst creating a piece of impressive memorabilia which celebrated hundreds of… Read more »
This bright Venetian scene is a copy after Canaletto, who originally produced the oil painting during the 1730s as part of twelve views of the Grand Canal. ‘The Grand Canal looking East from the Carità towards the Bacino’ by Canaletto was first connected to Joseph Smith, a prolific patron of the artist before it was… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Rugs can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to their value and historical significance. But with the highest selling price for a Persian rug at auction in New York being $33.8m and everyday sales ranging from £3,000-£10,000, they could in some cases be more valuable than the oil paintings or sculptures which surround them. Many… Read more »
